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Metanet Software's N, which the developer describes as " that game you played in high school but forgot about through college," has seemingly reached its pinnacle. The wall-jumping, pixelated ninja platformer has been officially stamped version 2.0 and is now available entirely for free. N 2.0 adds a number of extra features, including 100 new levels, 100 "legacy" levels pulled from N and the various console iterations of N+, 100 user-made levels, level sharing, local 2 player co-op and new "FUN-lockable" content.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>metanetmetanet-softwarenn-2.0n-pluspcFri, 24 May 2013 10:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/metanet-working-on-n-the-final-iteration-of-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/metanet-working-on-n-the-final-iteration-of-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/metanet-working-on-n-the-final-iteration-of-n/#comments
Metanet Software is returning to its platforming classic N, one last time. Studio president Mare Sheppard announced a game called N++ during a GDC panel, intended to be "the final iteration of N." The impetus behind this reexamination of side-view minimalist ninja jumping isn't entirely happy, as Sheppard said Metanet has had difficulty working with non-N games since N+.

"We were clinging to the idea that N might be the only proof we had that we weren't completely idiotic or utter failures," she said. Despite worries that it would be a "step back" for Metanet, "at this point in our lives, this feels like the right thing to do... We can work on N again after all that emotional trauma."

The good news out of this, which Sheppard's statements may not get across, is that Metanet really is quite good at making N games.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2013metanet-softwarenn+n++n-plusn-plus-plusFri, 29 Mar 2013 12:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/12/n-dev-announces-office-yeti-robotology-nowhere-near-complet/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/12/n-dev-announces-office-yeti-robotology-nowhere-near-complet/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/12/n-dev-announces-office-yeti-robotology-nowhere-near-complet/#comments
We're pretty big fans of indie developer Metanet Software's first offering, N+. That may explain why we were so excited for the announcement of a second currently-in-development title on the company's blog -- Office Yeti. Another explanation could be that the game is about a freakin' yeti in an office. The game is still early in development and was only being worked on "part-time" until recently. Metanet teases Rampage and Skool Daze-inspired gameplay, calling it: "A single-player action/puzzle/simulation game in which players assume control of a yeti who works in an office." Magical!

Unfortunately, it appears that we won't be seeing anything new on Robotology in the near future, as the developer is still working hard on having a playable entry for the IGF deadline this November. "Despite months and months of work, it's still nowhere near complete, but at the same time we've managed to get most of the vital parts figured out," Metanet says. Aside from the teasing of possible screenshots coming soon, it looks like we're not going to get anything new this year to play. Sometimes a taste of honey is worse than none at all.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>igfmetanetmetanet-softwarenoffice-yetirampagerobotologyskool-dazeSat, 12 Sep 2009 18:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/thank-the-canadian-government-for-these-great-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/thank-the-canadian-government-for-these-great-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/thank-the-canadian-government-for-these-great-games/#comments
Ever heard of Fez? How about N+? DeathSpank, maybe? If any of these games are near and dear to you like they are to us (we're looking at you, N+), then you have the Canadian government to thank. Government funding towards game development in Canada helped make each of the aforementioned games come to fruition, according to Gamasutra.

Similar initiatives are being proposed or practiced in manyUScities, however, the Canadian government has a long history of promoting game development in the country. It even gave DeathSpank developer Hothead Games over a half million dollars -- to develop a game named DeathSpank! Though it'd be nice to say that such quality stuff was being developed in our backyards, we'll take what we can get. Good games are good games, no?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadadeathspankfezgamasutragame-developmentgovernment-fundinghotheadhothead-gamesn Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/jump-for-joy-n-is-xblm-deal-of-the-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/jump-for-joy-n-is-xblm-deal-of-the-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/jump-for-joy-n-is-xblm-deal-of-the-week/#comments
This week's Xbox Live "Deal of the Week" is Metanet's N+ for 560 ($7). This confirms Friday's post by Metanet that the game ....

wait a second.

Metanet stated that the game would be "50% off," which means that the game, regularly priced at 800 ($10), should be 400 ($5)! Back up our mathematicals here, people. Did someone change the rules of percentages over the weekend and not send out a memo?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal-of-the-weekmetanetn xblaMon, 06 Jul 2009 10:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/05/the-first-video-of-n-devs-robotology/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/05/the-first-video-of-n-devs-robotology/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/05/the-first-video-of-n-devs-robotology/#comments
In fairness, Metanet Software's first video for Robotology (found after the break) is more physics demo than it is gameplay demo -- or even proof of concept, for that matter. Though considering the pedigree behind the game (Metanet made N+, this week's Xbox Live deal!), we're willing to overlook the less than thrilling minute-plus video in celebration of the sheer tenacity with which Metanet attacks its game development.

In fact, according to the Metanet website, the action in the video represents, "almost 800 lines of code, painstakingly hand-transcribed from graph paper and Flash mockups" -- oh my! Here's hoping it all pays off when the game ships ... eventually. And now, friends, we play the waiting game.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eurogamermetanet-softwaren robotologyvideoSun, 05 Jul 2009 11:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/metanet-n-next-weeks-xbox-live-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/metanet-n-next-weeks-xbox-live-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/metanet-n-next-weeks-xbox-live-deal/#commentsDeveloper Metanet has revealed that its excellent platformer, N+, will be XBLA's Deal of the Week for July 6-12. The developer states that the title will be sold at 50 percent off, making it 400 ($5) and a must buy.

Of course, as we've learned countless times, nothing is official until Microsoft says so on Monday. Check back next week for final confirmation -- and loads of sad emoticons if the company decides otherwise.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal-of-the-weekmetanetn xblaFri, 03 Jul 2009 11:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/esrb-rates-ghostbusters-two-other-atari-ds-titles-for-dsi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/esrb-rates-ghostbusters-two-other-atari-ds-titles-for-dsi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/esrb-rates-ghostbusters-two-other-atari-ds-titles-for-dsi/#commentsThe DSi category of the ESRB's database is currently pretty small, containing only eight games, including some of the current first-party DSiWare (not all of the existing games are visible yet), a few Gameloft games (Brain Challenge, Real Soccer 2009, American Popstar Road to Celebrity), and ... three Atari games. Specifically, Ghostbusters, N+, and The Chase: Felix Meets Felicity, all of which are now listed as both DS and DSi games.

These are the only games in the whole database to have such a distinction -- and the only DSi-listed games that aren't downloads. Unless they are!

We don't want to be rumormongers, and we don't want to jump to conclusions, so we'll lay out the possibilities that have occurred to us, from most exciting to least exciting:

Atari is planning to digitally distribute DS games via DSiWare, starting with Ghostbusters and extending into its back catalog.

The publisher will release special DSi-enhanced cartridge versions of the games.

The updated listings are a mistake.

Atari PR had the following to say in response: "Unfortunately, no official word from Atari. We'll let this stay a rumor for now ;)"

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataridsiwareesrbghostbustersnrumorthe-chaseThu, 16 Apr 2009 17:10:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/n-coming-to-europe-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/n-coming-to-europe-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/n-coming-to-europe-this-spring/#comments
Atari's insanely difficult ninja-themed platformer, N+, will finally see release in Europe. Although available in the US since August, the PSP and DS versions of the game will be available this Spring. The PSP version will arrive in March, while the DS version will arrive in April.

Both versions of the game were highly regarded by PSP and DS Fanboy. Regardless of platform, European gamers should be thrilled at this new opportunity to throw their systems in frustration.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>n Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/ds-daily-most-recommended/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/ds-daily-most-recommended/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/ds-daily-most-recommended/#commentsToday, over on Wii Fanboy, we thought we'd discuss the worst games of the year. Here? We want to hear about some of the best, but with a twist: we want to know what games you recommended most often. Did you tell all your friends that the paddle controller made Space Invaders Extreme the business? Did you sing the praises of N+, despite its free counterparts? What did you recommend?

This blogger's most recommended, of course, was the extremely excellent Professor Layton. If I passed you on the street, I might have told you to play it.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>npaddleprofessor-laytonrecommendationsspace-invaders-extremeFri, 19 Dec 2008 09:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/harrison-atari-to-focus-on-downloadable-psp-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/harrison-atari-to-focus-on-downloadable-psp-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/harrison-atari-to-focus-on-downloadable-psp-titles/#comments
Monsieur Phil Harrison, AKA directeur général déléguédes Infogrames, had some words of praise for the PSP at Atari's global showcase last week in London as he called it a "vibrant platform." However, the praise falls short of software support as Phil said the company currently wasn't going to make any new game announcements for the system.

Harrison noted, while not having anything specific to speak of, that Atari does have interest in going the route of e-distribution titles. Said Harrison: "There is no doubt that PSP is a very vibrant platform from a hardware perspective and I think Sony has recently made some good moves into opening up online distribution for software on PSP, so I'm looking to explore that." A downloadable version of N+ would be a great start, Phil!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariinfogramesnphil-harrisonMon, 08 Dec 2008 10:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/and-our-latest-contest-winner-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/and-our-latest-contest-winner-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/and-our-latest-contest-winner-i/#comments
Well, our latest giveaway has come to a close and it's about time we chose the winner. The winner of our prize pack is none other than:

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chronicles-of-narniafanswagnNew-Super-Mario-Bros-DSNintendoPlatformthe-sims-2Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:35:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/reminder-nsmb-ds-lite-and-3-games-up-for-grabs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/reminder-nsmb-ds-lite-and-3-games-up-for-grabs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/reminder-nsmb-ds-lite-and-3-games-up-for-grabs/#comments
Hey folks, you like free stuff, right? Of course you do! So have you checked out our latest giveaway yet? Well, if you haven't, you should, as we've got plenty of goodies up for grabs. Head right on over to the giveaway post here and see how to enter. Best of luck to you all and thanks for reading!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chronicles-of-narniafanswagnNew-Super-Mario-Bros-DSNintendoPlatformprince-caspianthe-simsthe-sims-2Thu, 27 Nov 2008 17:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/thankswagging-holiday-prize-pack-up-for-grab/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/thankswagging-holiday-prize-pack-up-for-grab/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/thankswagging-holiday-prize-pack-up-for-grab/#comments
We've got a special giveaway lined up for you this week. We're calling it Thankswagging, bundling together a bunch of items for one lucky reader as a thanks for, well ... just being you! We appreciate you guys (and gals!) stopping by every day to read us and make our cold, dark corner of the internet a little brighter. So, we're running this giveaway starting today and ending Sunday, November 30th at 11:59pm ET. The winner will be selected the following day via random drawing. To enter, simply tell us what you're thankful for this year. It can be gaming related or not. Just tell us what you're thankful for!

Perhaps you've heard of N+. It's been covered only a teenybit here on DS Fanboy, so it's pretty unforgivable if this is your first encounter with the masochistic Ninja platformer. Masochistic may not even be a strong enough word, honestly. N+ has built up a reputation all across the vast internet as being ridiculously difficult, much like its web-based predecessor. Whether N+ is a solid recreation of the original N's gameplay is a somewhat controversial subject, but anyone who's given it a whirl can probably agree on one point: it is awesome for gaming on the go.

Your miniature ninja is blessed with amazing speed and skill, though it comes at a heavy price: a lifespan of precisely 1.5 minutes. As you might imagine, this makes N+ perfect for quick bursts of play, as you'll never spend more than a few minutes trying to clear a set of levels. Sound interesting? Stab that big button down there and come see why N+ is a beautiful thing indeed if you're looking for some quick ninja-flavored challenge in your daily commute.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarijoystiqfeaturesnplatformsilverbirchMon, 27 Oct 2008 18:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/free-n-level-pack-leaps-onto-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/free-n-level-pack-leaps-onto-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/free-n-level-pack-leaps-onto-xblm/#comments
Tiny ninja fans rejoice! A new level pack for the high jumpin', wall slidin' platformer N+ is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. Oh, but that's not all. It's also 100% completely, totally free! So, that's pretty cool right? The folks at Metanet have also annoucned a new "contesque" in which you could win a copy of N+ on your platform of choice. All you have to do is send a picture of an N+ related costume or craft, or a piece of digital art. Head over to Metanet for full details, and go get that level pack!

It's a testament to the excellent platforming of N+ that we haven't gotten sick of playing it yet. And by that, we mean we haven't grown tired of plummeting to our dooms and watching our lithe ninja bodies succumb to gravity in the worst of bone-crunching, limb-mangling ways.

Though developer Metanet suggests it has "tried to tone down the difficulty" in the free level pack hitting Xbox Live Arcade today, we're certain millions of gruesome fates await us in the 150 new single-player levels, 50 new race levels and 50 new co-op levels. That's a lot of new for nothing, no?

Man, it must feel like I'm just trying to pick fights this week. Allow me to explain myself: I love n+. It's incredibly fun, elegant, and well-made. JC gave the game a 9.5 / 10, and I'd say that's a pretty fair score. So how on earth does a good game get picked for Bury the Shovelware?

Throughout the duration of this column, we've learned a lot about shovelware. We've examined the sharing of blame between the publisher and developer, the curse of a license, the effects of critics' perception, and much more. Our top priority has been determining common attributes. One might ask what is the single, definitive trait common throughout all shovelware. The easy answer would be "it sucks." But to who? You? Me? Everyone? If you were to wander through the graveyard of the DS's library, even the loneliest tombstone will have a sympathizer or two. Particularly for younger gamers who might not know any better, cognizance is everything.

Thus, we must focus on the objective. As the swipe for this series states, "shovelware refers to any game in which time and effort were eschewed in favor of turning a quick profit." Theoretically, any game which shows compromise in any area for the benefit of time and/or money might be considered shovelware. Even if the game is a critical success, one can still identify flaws in its design. Without labeling n+ as shovelware, let's examine how its existence relates to the bottom-feeders of the DS.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiqfeaturesmetanetmetanet-softwaren n-plusplatformplatformershovelwareWed, 24 Sep 2008 11:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/n-and-buku-sudoku-dlc-release-this-wed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/n-and-buku-sudoku-dlc-release-this-wed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/n-and-buku-sudoku-dlc-release-this-wed/#commentsSneakily tucked in towards the end of this week's XBLA game release announcement is news that N+ and Buku Sudoku will both be receiving new (and paid) downloadable content this Wednesday.

Metanet is releasing a 200 MS point N+ Levelpack that's packed with 150 single player levels, 50 multiplayer race levels and 25 multiplayer survival levels. While you're at it, feel free to pick up N+'s July DLC as well. If number puzzles are more your thing, then the new 200 MS point Buku Sudoku Puzzle Pack may just be the DLC you've been looking for. It adds 1200 additional Sudoku puzzles to the mix which the Gamerscore Blog crew kindly broke down to being "six new puzzles for one Microsoft Point!" If taken further, that breaks down to one puzzle for every 0.167 MS points or $0.0020875. See, math can be fun!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buku-sudokumetanetnn-plusxblaxblmMon, 08 Sep 2008 16:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/psp-fanboy-review-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/psp-fanboy-review-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/psp-fanboy-review-n/#comments
Beneath its simple exterior lies a cruel, sadistic gaming beast. N+ is known for its brutally simple, addictive, ninja-inspired platforming. The goal of the game is ridiculously simple: get to the exit. However, each level in this challenging title will test your nerve and will push you to that strange land where frustration and euphoria meet.

There are a number of obstacles that can get in your way -- all of them deadly. Whether it be explosive mines, homing missiles, or heat-seaking lasers, death lurks in almost every inch of N+. The combination of clever level designs and obstacle placements make each level like a puzzle: players must think of interesting ways to get to the goal. Players will be able to perform incredible feats of acrobatics, bouncing off walls, racing past rockets, and jumping past deadly lasers. Players must learn how momentum works, as many of the levels require pixel-perfect jumps.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarijoystiqfeaturesmetanetmetanet-softwarenreviewThu, 28 Aug 2008 09:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/ds-fanboy-review-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/ds-fanboy-review-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/27/ds-fanboy-review-n/#commentsMetanet's N is a game in which the player is tasked with running very quickly through obstacles and jumping with high levels of precision in order to reach the exit door. It takes place in small, self-contained levels, uses simple, clean graphics, and has no real story to remember.

Though it first appeared as a freeware PC game and was then remade and enhanced as an Xbox Live Arcade game, there is no denying that N is an ideal handheld game. You really couldn't come up with a better design for an on-the-go game.

N+ from Atari is basically N, on the DS, with new levels. So, naturally, it works out pretty well.

If you didn't know, N+ is launching on PSP this week for a budget price of $20. The addictive ninja-inspired platforming game is known for its terrifying difficulty -- will you be up to the challenge? Check out this trailer, and new screens ... and wait for our full review later this week.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nTue, 26 Aug 2008 18:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-august-25th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-august-25th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/25/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-august-25th/#commentsYou want a game? We got your game right here, from titles that were already supposed to be out, to those featuring teeny, tiny ninja dudes. And ... what's this? It seems we barely heard a whisper of From the Abyss, both for its Japanese release and subsequent localization, and now here it is. That can't bode well for the ARPG, but we'll be keeping a few fingers crossed, just in case.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augustdigimonfrom-the-abyssharvest-moonmy-chinese-coachnreleasesMon, 25 Aug 2008 14:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-august-11th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-august-11th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/ds-releases-for-the-week-of-august-11th/#commentsFor once, U.S. gamers have a reason to lord over their counterparts in the rest of the world. Why? The other major markets are seeing either token releases, as in Europe, or none, as in Australia and Japan, while we here in the States are blessed with a bevy of games. Not just any games, either, not with Bangai-O Spirits leading the pack.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augustbangai-o-spiritsline-ridermaddennreleasesMon, 11 Aug 2008 15:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/n-release-on-8-26-budget-priced-at-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/n-release-on-8-26-budget-priced-at-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/n-release-on-8-26-budget-priced-at-20/#comments
What? Is that a new PSP game? You bet! And guess what? It's coming out at the end of the month ... for only $20! (That's a drop from the original retail price of $30.) N+ is an addictive ninja platforming game with an emphasis on Game 3.0: PSP players will be able to design their own levels and share them online for the entire world to download. With the potential for unlimited gameplay, N+ looks like it'll be quite the steal.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nThu, 07 Aug 2008 21:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/n-minus-10-plus-2-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/n-minus-10-plus-2-weeks/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/n-minus-10-plus-2-weeks/#commentsWe've got good news and bad news regarding N+, Atari's handheld update of the freeware platformer N. The bad news isn't all that bad and the good news is awesome.

First, the kinda bad: N+ appears to have been delayed again, from August 12 to August 26. While it troubles us to think that the game is just never going to come out, we're glad it's at least not coming out on the same day as Bangai-O Spirits. The good news is that N+ will now launch at $20, which is an insanely good deal for a new, polished N with hundreds of new levels and a stylus-based level editor.

There's a third bit of news too, which didn't really fit in the "good news/bad news" thing we were trying to do, though it falls into the "good" category: Amazon orders will include a download link for a digital strategy guide.

If you've made it all of the way through XBLA's N+, we already know a few things about you. 1. You're a lot more hardcore than we are. 2. You have a lot more free time than we do. 3. You're probably ready for more. Good news on that last front: A 200-level, 200-point pack has just been dropped onto Xbox Live, according to official site metablog.

The site promises "there are 150 'easier' single-player levels, which should ease the pain of those who have found N+ too difficult, and 50 co-op multiplayer levels, which should appeal to even the most hardcore N+ players." So hey, a little something for the both of us, how nice.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcnXbox-360xbox-liveWed, 23 Jul 2008 16:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/2x-xbla-dlc-this-wednesday-n-and-puzzle-quest/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/2x-xbla-dlc-this-wednesday-n-and-puzzle-quest/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/2x-xbla-dlc-this-wednesday-n-and-puzzle-quest/#comments
They've both been quite some time in coming, and this Wednesday will see the release of new downloadable content for games that are themselves downloadable. N+ will be getting a new level pack which contains 150 single player levels, and 50 co-op levels, all for 200pts (which, as the devs point out, equates to a point per level). As for Puzzle Quest, its player named DLC, Revenge of the Plague Lord, will contain 4 new classes, a new map area, 25 new quests, 40 more items and a raise of the level cap. The Puzzle Quest expansion will be priced at 700pts.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d3metanetnpuzzle-questrevenge-of-the-plague-lordxblaTue, 22 Jul 2008 08:45:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-n-media-leaps-deftly-into-our-grasp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-n-media-leaps-deftly-into-our-grasp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-n-media-leaps-deftly-into-our-grasp/#comments
In the spirit of N+ featuring hundreds of levels, we've received hundreds (well, lots anyway) of screenshots and two new gameplay videos (head past the break for the second). If there is a limit to how long we can watch a little stick figure bouncing off walls and performing gravity-defying stunts, we haven't yet reached the critical threshold.

You can start learning about the mind-bending N+ experience with our hands-on preview, effectively taking "the best platforming engine in Flash, ever," for a ride. The thing is, no matter how many screens and videos you ogle, there's plenty more brand new levels being created constantly. Best of all, the DS version is just as full-featured as any other installment, including a full level creator and Wi-Fi multiplayer. N+ should be a sure-fire hit when it's released in August.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionatarimetanetnninjaplatformerWed, 16 Jul 2008 21:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/n-dlc-has-gone-out-to-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/n-dlc-has-gone-out-to-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/n-dlc-has-gone-out-to-microsoft/#comments
It certainly has been a while in coming (so much so that we were beginning to wonder if something bad had happened to it), but there's finally some news regarding N+'s downloadable content. In a new post over at the Metanet developer blog informs the world that the three DLC packs for N+ has been sent off to Microsoft for final certification before release.

Of the three packs one will be free, one will be multiplayer maps, and the level total for the whole shebang is over 750. Exactly how those seemingly disparate pieces of info come together for the exact details of each pack is still unknown. However we do know that the devs are shooting for 200pts for each of the pay-to-play packs, which seems like the perfect price point to us.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmetanetmetanet-softwarenxblaThu, 26 Jun 2008 08:45:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/ds-fanboy-preview-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/ds-fanboy-preview-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/ds-fanboy-preview-n/#commentsMy eyes glazed as I stared at my Nintendo DS Lite which cased the finished build of N+. N, my titular ninja avatar, braced his body as he slid halfway down a wall before springing away, using his momentum to snatch three gold coins dangling in midair. I firmly pressed d-pad left, causing him to again shimmy down the wall slowly, carefully, before again leaping for a nearby ledge. Unfortunately, my momentum wasn't enough in this instance. Though little more than a plump stick figure, I had a vision of poor N desperately straining for the tip of the ledge that was at least (at least) a good six feet away before plummeting, plummeting, plummeting -- and eventually exploding in a shower of square-shaped shards as he cratered into the ground.

I grumbled, but the fault was wholly mine, not the acrobatic N's.

"You've got what the indie scene will call the best platforming engine in Flash, ever," said David Geudelekian, producer of Metanet Software'sN+. "What N did really well was it presented this incredible platformer with 1000 levels, it was crazy difficult. N the ninja was this lithe, acrobatic guy with all the things developers had learned from other platformers. You can wall jump, you can press along the wall as you're falling to slow your descent. Because it's a full-featured physics engine, momentum can kill you, but if you use a ramp's natural curvature, you might be able to catapult yourself across the level."

In the spirit of a true ninja master, the perenially popular platformer N+ is still on its merry way to the DS. Many people out there have tried several adventures of the anonymous little hero on the PC, and are better gamers for it. Put it this way -- N+ levels are really, super easy to make, so the DS version features plenty of original creations.

You can check out some of the high-flying gameplay in the new trailer above, along with two more after the break. N+ hasn't been dumbed-down for portable installments at all, and includes a full level editor and downloadable content. If you haven't tried N+ before, it would be in your best interest to slide down to your nearest store on August 28 and hand over the cash for this bad boy. Ninja-style.

Honestly, we're a bit surprised by the initial success of Rez and Ikaruga. Not that we didn't want them to succeed (they really are awesome games), but we didn't expect to see Xbox Live community rally so quickly around years-old re-releases. Now, if we could only see data for worst XBLA launches, or even total Rez playtime using multiple controllers as trance vibrators.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsgabeikarugann-pluspenny-arcadepenny-arcade-adventuresrezxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeTue, 27 May 2008 15:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/n-merchandise-is-like-official-fan-creations/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/n-merchandise-is-like-official-fan-creations/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/n-merchandise-is-like-official-fan-creations/#comments
This may be a first: Metanet, creators of the original N, the 360 N+, and the levels for the DS N+, have set up an Etsy shop to sell handmade N+ merchandise. Is it possible for these people to be any cooler? We don't think so, unless they send us some free stuff.

For surprisingly reasonable prices, you can buy ninja t-shirts, really cool-looking stationery sets, and a vinyl cuff (like a big fat bracelet) with an N+ screenshot on it. All of it is very limited-edition (because, like the game, just a few people worked on it), and happens to be very attractive due to the N+ aesthetic. We're putting serious consideration into a set of cards, but we rarely have call for ninja-mail.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>etsymetanetnshirtsWed, 21 May 2008 09:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/ninja-gaiden-iis-ten-days-of-ninja-starts-may-25th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/ninja-gaiden-iis-ten-days-of-ninja-starts-may-25th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/ninja-gaiden-iis-ten-days-of-ninja-starts-may-25th/#commentsTo prepare ninjas and wannabe ninjas across the globe for the release of Ninja Gaiden II, Xbox.com will be celebrating Ten Days of Ninja. Ninja-kick!

The Ten Days of Ninja Ninja Gaiden II countdown kicks off on Sunday, May 25th when, each day of the countdown, Xbox.com will post a ninja related event including a Family Game Night, GamerchiX game night and even a Game with Developers session on May 26th with the crew who brought us that other XBLA ninja game, N+. So, keep one eye on the Ten Days of Ninja website, keep your ninja-stars polished and increase your ninja skills before June sneaks up on us all ninja-like. And yes, we used the word "ninja" thirteen times in this post.

Canadian dev SilverBirch, the force behind the DS and PSP versions of recent XBLA release, N+, has opened up its doors -- and wallet -- and acquired Netherlands-based publisher Lighthouse Interactive. SilverBirch calls the move a first step in the company's "strategy of building an integrated video game company."

The developer purchased all of the publisher's outstanding shares for CA$4 million, or $3.97 million in real currency, which it paid out as cash, a vendor note, shares of stock, and an earn-out based on fiscal 2008 financial performance. It's an interesting marriage, given SilverBirch's experience with portable titles as well as the MMO Metin 2, while Lighthouse is best recognized for steering sim and strategy titles for the PC. Wake us when Sword of the Stars comes to the DS.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionlighthouselighthouse-interactivelighthouseinteractivenn-plusnplussilverbirchMon, 28 Apr 2008 13:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/n-devs-working-on-new-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/n-devs-working-on-new-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/n-devs-working-on-new-game/#commentsFor those of us who have been following the N+ developer debacle, this newest interview will hold some new information to absorb. If you couldn't care less, then all you need to know is that the creators of N+ are at work on a new game tentatively called Robotology. The game is a 2D physics-based platformer with grappling hooks and articulated/simulated robots walking around. The graphics are to be similar to N+ in terms of style, but more complex overall, and with all plans currently open to change. No platform has yet been announced for Robotology.

For those interested in the state of XBLA, the Metanet guys open up a bit more about their point of view. There's also plenty of question's concerning the development of N+ and fans of the game should find some of the questions rather interesting (ever wonder why your game might not always save?)

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>metanetnxblaSat, 05 Apr 2008 22:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/capcom-responds-to-n-outburst-sorting-is-the-real-xbla-problem/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/capcom-responds-to-n-outburst-sorting-is-the-real-xbla-problem/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/capcom-responds-to-n-outburst-sorting-is-the-real-xbla-problem/#commentsAfter hearing about the Metanet N+ developers going on a verbal Xbox Live Arcade assault, Capcom felt the need to semi-defend the service all while pointing fingers at an entirely different issue they have with the XBLA. Sorting of games.

Posted over on Capcom's blog, Adam "TheBooya" Boyes isn't happy with the Metanet crew and their "solution" to a less than stellar XBLA service. According to Boyes, restricting games probably isn't the answer to everything and agrees that "tastes may vary, but there are many games out there for everyone." Boyes continues to argue various points made by the Metanet crew, everything from how the XBLA isn't like retail, how customers should research products before they purchase and ultimately lands on the one problem he feels needs fixing: How you find the great games. "Instead of complaining that XBLA has hundreds of games that are 'utter shit' and advocating a no-limit release of a billion craptastic games, I think we need to work on lobbying a better system for sorting games." And we think that pill is little more fair, more forward looking and a bit easier to swallow than Metanet's.

It's not exactly an apology, as Metanet still cites a number of problems with XBLA. The developer does go on to state that the criticism is largely meant to be constructive, however, and that there are still plenty of positive aspects to Microsoft's digital distribution service. Prostrating or not, we hope Metanet and Microsoft kiss and make up soon, as we still hope to see Robotology on XBLA sometime in the future.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>metanetnn-plusxblaXbox-360Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/n-creators-stand-behind-their-anti-xbla-rant/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/n-creators-stand-behind-their-anti-xbla-rant/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/n-creators-stand-behind-their-anti-xbla-rant/#commentsLast Friday, we told you about a Gamasutra interview with N+ creators Raigan Burns and Mare Sheppard and how angry they were about the XBLA, how angry they were about the services' crappy games and how angry they were about how Microsoft is handling things. Their opinion was nothing but blunt and to the point. Then, shortly after their harsh comments made the internet media rounds, Burns and Sheppard felt the need to post a response in regards to their remarks on their metanet blog and, well ... they have no apologies.

In their response blog titled "In Defense of the Apparant Shitstorm", Burns and Sheppard stand behind their anger fueled XBLA rant, but do clarify that they were made prior to N+'s release and right after they learned about Microsoft's new (and less generous) XBLA royalty structure. But like we said, in their response blog team metanet stands behind their earlier comments and actually went on to add to the controversy, saying; "it's not our fault that the vast majority of XBLA games suck! Literally every single person we've ever spoken with is in agreement on this, and yet it's apparently shocking for gamers in general to hear (assuming that's who reads joystiq/kotaku)." There you have it folks. Confirmed. The XBLA has sucky games.